The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute African-American Male Initiative Symposium will be held Wednesday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the University of Memphis’ University Center Bluff Room, 499 University St., room 304. The symposium will feature national and local efforts to increase positive educational and social outcomes for African-American males. Free and open to the public. Visit memphis.edu/benhooks for details.

The SCORE Memphis Small Enterprise Symposium will be held Thursday, April 20, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kroc Center, 800 East Parkway S. Potential, new and established entrepreneurs can network and learn from industry professionals about a variety of business topics. Cost is $15 in advance or at the door. Visit memphis.score.org for advance registration and a schedule of sessions.

The city of Memphis Office of Business Diversity & Compliance, PeroxyChem and other partners will host a MWBE vendor supplier forum for construction professionals Thursday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Downtown Memphis, 200 N. Second St. Minority- and women-owned business enterprises can discuss upcoming opportunities and meet with prime contractors at one-on-one “At the Table” sessions. Cost is free. RSVP to bdcinf@memphistn.gov.

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute’s Join Hands for Change Gala: Pursuing the Dream to Reality will take place Thursday, April 20, at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. Civil rights pioneer, politician and diplomat Ambassador Andrew J. Young will present the keynote at the gala, which celebrates the institute’s 20th anniversary. Buy tickets at hooksgala2017.eventbrite.com.

The 31st annual Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival will take place Friday through Sunday, April 21-23, in Robert R. Church Park (Fourth and Beale streets). The festival will showcase the Republic of Togo from an international perspective, with music, food, a diverse cultural marketplace and more. Hours are 8 a.m. until late night; admission is $5. Visit the festival’s Facebook page for a complete schedule.

Germantown Performing Arts Center will host its GPAC Gala: Celebrating Memphis Music Saturday, April 22, at 6 p.m. at GPAC, 1801 Exeter Road. Put on your best Uptown Funk attire and enjoy live and silent auctions, live Memphis music, and a gourmet meal prepared by chef Erling Jensen. Tickets are $250. Visit gpacweb.com.